OBJECTIVES: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of the thickness and shade of 3 types of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 specimens of 2 shades (A1 and A3) and 2 thicknesses (1 and 2 mm) were fabricated using VITA Mark II (VM; VITA Zahnfabrik), IPS e.max CAD (IE; IvoclarVivadent), and VITA Suprinity (VS; VITA Zahnfabrik) (n = 10 per subgroup). The amount of light transmission through the ceramic specimens was measured by a radiometer (Optilux, Kerr). Light-cured resin cement samples (Choice 2, Bisco) were fabricated in a Teflon mold and activated through the various ceramics with different shades and thicknesses using an LED unit (Bluephase, IvoclarVivadent). In the control group, the resin cement sample was directly light-cured without any ceramic. Vickers microhardness indentations were made on the resin surfaces (KoopaPazhoohesh) after 24 hours of dark storage in a 37°C incubator. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance followed by the Tukey post hoc test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Ceramic thickness and shade had significant effects on light transmission and the microhardness of all specimens (p < 0.05). The mean values of light transmittance and microhardness of the resin cement in the VM group were significantly higher than those observed in the IE and VS groups. The lowest microhardness was observed in the VS group, due to the lowest level of light transmission (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Greater thickness and darker shades of the 3 types of CAD/CAM ceramics significantly decreased the microhardness of the underlying resin cement.
Ceramics* ; Curing Lights, Dental ; Fungi ; Hardness ; In Vitro Techniques ; Incubators ; Polytetrafluoroethylene ; Resin Cements*

OBJECTIVE: To determine the localization, expression, and function of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in fallopian tube epithelial cells. METHODS: The localization of TLRs in fallopian tube epithelial cells was investigated by immunostaining. Surprisingly, the intensity of staining was not equal in the secretory and ciliated cells. After primary cell culture of fallopian tube epithelial cells, ring cloning was used to isolate colonies of ciliated epithelial cells, distinct from non-ciliated epithelial cells. The expression of TLRs 1–10 was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and protein localization was confirmed by immunostaining. The function of the TLRs was determined by interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 production in response to TLR2, TLR3, TLR5, TLR7, and TLR9 ligands. RESULTS: Fallopian tube epithelial cells expressed TLRs 1–10 in a cell-type-specific manner. Exposing fallopian tube epithelial cells to TLR2, TLR3, TLR5, TLR7, and TLR9 agonists induced the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-8. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that TLR expression in the fallopian tubes is cell-type-specific. According to our results, ciliated cells may play more effective role than non-ciliated cells in the innate immune defense of the fallopian tubes, and in interactions with gametes and embryos.
Clone Cells ; Cloning, Organism ; Cytokines ; Embryonic Structures ; Epithelial Cells* ; Fallopian Tubes* ; Female ; Germ Cells ; Humans* ; Interleukin-6 ; Interleukin-8 ; Interleukins ; Ligands ; Primary Cell Culture ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Toll-Like Receptors*

Background: Orofacial clefts (OFCs) comprise a wide range of malformations, including cleft lip, cleft palate, and cleft lip with cleft palate, which can vary in terms of etiology, severity, and disease burden. Objective: (s)This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between various risk factors and orofacial cleft disorder spectrum in newborns.Study designA total of 323 cases and 400 controls were enrolled in this study and evaluated in terms of the maternal history of abortion or miscarriage, child’s sex, maternal and paternal age, maternal history of systemic disease, history of medication therapy during pregnancy, birth order, consanguineous marriage, and complications during pregnancy. Results: Analysis of the results suggested that consanguineous marriage, a maternal history of abortion/miscarriage, and complications during pregnancy could potentially increase the risk of OFCs in children (P < 0.05). However, the analyses revealed that the other variables could not potentially increase the risk of OFCs (P > 0.05). Conclusion (s)Multiple cofactors may simultaneously contribute to the formation of such abnormalities; therefore, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary care program is necessary to ensure a successful pregnancy period and the birth of a healthy newborn.

OBJECTIVES: Different factors are responsible for the silent epidemic of diabetes mellitus in developing and developed countries. This study aimed to determine the role of demographic factors, lipid profile, family history (the estimation of genetic association) and anthropometric factors on diabetes onset. METHODS: Data from the enrolment phase of the Tabari Cohort study was applied for this study and included 10,255 participants aged between 35–70 years. Anthropometric variables were measured by trained staff using standard tools. Blood specimens were collected for lipid profile and blood glucose measurements. Data analyses were performed using SPSS version 24, with univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was estimated to be 17.2% in the cohort population, 15.6% in men, and 18.3% in women. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for age groups 40–49, 50–59 and over 60 were 2.58 (2.20–3.69), 5.80 (4.51–7.48) and 8.72 (6.67–11.39), respectively. In addition, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for 2 (or more), and 1 affected family member were 4.12 (3.55–4.90) and 2.34 (2.07–2.65), respectively. Triglyceride concentrations more than 500, and abnormal high-density lipoprotein levels increased the odds of diabetes mellitus by 3.29- and 1.18-fold, respectively. CONCLUSION: The current study showed that old age and a family history were strong predictors for diabetes mellitus.
Blood Glucose ; Body Mass Index ; Cohort Studies ; Demography ; Developed Countries ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Female ; Humans ; Lipoproteins ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Odds Ratio ; Prevalence ; Statistics as Topic ; Triglycerides

Background: Orofacial clefts (OFCs) comprise a wide range of malformations, including cleft lip, cleft palate, and cleft lip with cleft palate, which can vary in terms of etiology, severity, and disease burden. Objective: (s)This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between various risk factors and orofacial cleft disorder spectrum in newborns.Study designA total of 323 cases and 400 controls were enrolled in this study and evaluated in terms of the maternal history of abortion or miscarriage, child’s sex, maternal and paternal age, maternal history of systemic disease, history of medication therapy during pregnancy, birth order, consanguineous marriage, and complications during pregnancy. Results: Analysis of the results suggested that consanguineous marriage, a maternal history of abortion/miscarriage, and complications during pregnancy could potentially increase the risk of OFCs in children (P < 0.05). However, the analyses revealed that the other variables could not potentially increase the risk of OFCs (P > 0.05). Conclusion (s)Multiple cofactors may simultaneously contribute to the formation of such abnormalities; therefore, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary care program is necessary to ensure a successful pregnancy period and the birth of a healthy newborn.

Objective: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an alkylating agent commonly used in cancer treatment. It is known to have detrimental effects on the reproductive system, including the potential to cause infertility. Recently, herbal remedies have gained traction as a complementary approach to addressing these side effects. In this study, our goal was to investigate whether the aqueous-alcoholic extract of Withania somnifera (WS) could mitigate the adverse impacts of CP on testicular tissue. Methods: Animals were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: control, WS (500 mg/kg), CP (100 mg/kg), CP+WS pre-treatment, and CP+WS post-treatment. WS was administered orally through gavage for 1 month. We assessed sperm parameters, testicular histopathology, and the expression of the Bax and Bcl2 genes in the experimental groups. Results: Sperm parameters (including count, viability, and motility), the number of spermatogonia, the seminiferous tubule diameter, and Bcl2 gene expression, significantly decreased after CP injection (p<0.05). Conversely, the number of immotile sperm and Bax gene expression significantly increased (p<0.05). Treatment with WS, especially when administered as a pre-treatment, ameliorated the sperm parameters, histological alterations, and the expression of apoptosis-related genes (p<0.05). Conclusion The data suggest that WS may mitigate the detrimental effects of CP on testicular tissue by reducing apoptosis. Consequently, WS has the potential to be used as an adjunctive therapy to reduce the complications associated with CP treatment.

Objective: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an alkylating agent commonly used in cancer treatment. It is known to have detrimental effects on the reproductive system, including the potential to cause infertility. Recently, herbal remedies have gained traction as a complementary approach to addressing these side effects. In this study, our goal was to investigate whether the aqueous-alcoholic extract of Withania somnifera (WS) could mitigate the adverse impacts of CP on testicular tissue. Methods: Animals were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: control, WS (500 mg/kg), CP (100 mg/kg), CP+WS pre-treatment, and CP+WS post-treatment. WS was administered orally through gavage for 1 month. We assessed sperm parameters, testicular histopathology, and the expression of the Bax and Bcl2 genes in the experimental groups. Results: Sperm parameters (including count, viability, and motility), the number of spermatogonia, the seminiferous tubule diameter, and Bcl2 gene expression, significantly decreased after CP injection (p<0.05). Conversely, the number of immotile sperm and Bax gene expression significantly increased (p<0.05). Treatment with WS, especially when administered as a pre-treatment, ameliorated the sperm parameters, histological alterations, and the expression of apoptosis-related genes (p<0.05). Conclusion The data suggest that WS may mitigate the detrimental effects of CP on testicular tissue by reducing apoptosis. Consequently, WS has the potential to be used as an adjunctive therapy to reduce the complications associated with CP treatment.

Objective: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an alkylating agent commonly used in cancer treatment. It is known to have detrimental effects on the reproductive system, including the potential to cause infertility. Recently, herbal remedies have gained traction as a complementary approach to addressing these side effects. In this study, our goal was to investigate whether the aqueous-alcoholic extract of Withania somnifera (WS) could mitigate the adverse impacts of CP on testicular tissue. Methods: Animals were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: control, WS (500 mg/kg), CP (100 mg/kg), CP+WS pre-treatment, and CP+WS post-treatment. WS was administered orally through gavage for 1 month. We assessed sperm parameters, testicular histopathology, and the expression of the Bax and Bcl2 genes in the experimental groups. Results: Sperm parameters (including count, viability, and motility), the number of spermatogonia, the seminiferous tubule diameter, and Bcl2 gene expression, significantly decreased after CP injection (p<0.05). Conversely, the number of immotile sperm and Bax gene expression significantly increased (p<0.05). Treatment with WS, especially when administered as a pre-treatment, ameliorated the sperm parameters, histological alterations, and the expression of apoptosis-related genes (p<0.05). Conclusion The data suggest that WS may mitigate the detrimental effects of CP on testicular tissue by reducing apoptosis. Consequently, WS has the potential to be used as an adjunctive therapy to reduce the complications associated with CP treatment.

Objective: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an alkylating agent commonly used in cancer treatment. It is known to have detrimental effects on the reproductive system, including the potential to cause infertility. Recently, herbal remedies have gained traction as a complementary approach to addressing these side effects. In this study, our goal was to investigate whether the aqueous-alcoholic extract of Withania somnifera (WS) could mitigate the adverse impacts of CP on testicular tissue. Methods: Animals were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: control, WS (500 mg/kg), CP (100 mg/kg), CP+WS pre-treatment, and CP+WS post-treatment. WS was administered orally through gavage for 1 month. We assessed sperm parameters, testicular histopathology, and the expression of the Bax and Bcl2 genes in the experimental groups. Results: Sperm parameters (including count, viability, and motility), the number of spermatogonia, the seminiferous tubule diameter, and Bcl2 gene expression, significantly decreased after CP injection (p<0.05). Conversely, the number of immotile sperm and Bax gene expression significantly increased (p<0.05). Treatment with WS, especially when administered as a pre-treatment, ameliorated the sperm parameters, histological alterations, and the expression of apoptosis-related genes (p<0.05). Conclusion The data suggest that WS may mitigate the detrimental effects of CP on testicular tissue by reducing apoptosis. Consequently, WS has the potential to be used as an adjunctive therapy to reduce the complications associated with CP treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the waist circumference of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), had an impact on lung function. METHODS: There were 180 patients with COPD recruited into this prospective cross-sectional study. The age, weight, body mass index and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Spirometry parameters including forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), were measured and FEV1/FVC calculated. RESULTS: The mean FEV1/FVC in both normal weight and overweight patients, did not statistically significantly correlate with WC. The COPD assessment test, positively correlated with WC ( p = 0.031). A positive correlation with body mass index ( p < 0.001), smoking ( p = 0.027), and global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease score ( p = 0.009), were observed to positively associate with WC. WC, age, C-reactive protein, duration of disease, and gender (male), were observed to be statistically significant risk factors for the severity of COPD. CONCLUSION: WC was not observed to impact upon lung function in this study but it was a predictive factor for COPD severity in patients.
Body Mass Index ; Body Weight ; C-Reactive Protein ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Humans ; Lung ; Lung Diseases, Obstructive ; Overweight ; Prospective Studies ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; Risk Factors ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Spirometry ; Vital Capacity ; Waist Circumference